Small molecules (or chemicals) play a crucial role in biological systems, acting as precursors to macromolecules, cells, and tissues. Beyond this, they are involved in cell signalling, regulation, energy consumption and production, and can be used therapeutically to treat diseases. Metabolites, a subset of small molecules, are the chemical intermediates and/or end products of metabolic processes.

To understand the role of chemicals in a biological context, we can study how they bind to and impact the function of their macromolecular targets, such as DNA, RNA, and protein. We can also assess their broader functional impact on cells, tissues, blood, and other biofluids.

This six-hour virtual workshop offers hands-on experience with EMBL-EBI tools and resources to explore the biological effects of small molecules. Using a case study, we will guide participants through workflows to investigate drug interactions with a protein target, as well as assess the downstream effects within a biological system. 

We will use ChEMBL to identify small molecule drugs and experimental data on their impact on targets, PDBe to evaluate target binding details, and MetaboLights to investigate the small molecule’s impact on biological systems.

Virtual course

This course will take place on Zoom. Trainers will be available to assist during practical sessions, answer questions, and provide further explanations during the Zoom.

To join the course you will need to create an EMBL-EBI Training website account.